The United Kingdom will officially rejoin the Erasmus+ student exchange program in 2027, committing an estimated £570 million to the scheme in a move widely seen as a significant step toward improving relations with the European Union after Brexit.
The decision ends years of separation from the EU’s flagship education and mobility program, which the UK exited in 2020 following its withdrawal from the bloc. Erasmus+ enables students, apprentices, and academic staff to study, train, and gain work experience across Europe, supporting cultural exchange and skills development.
A Symbolic and Practical Shift
British officials described the return to Erasmus+ as both a practical investment in education and a symbolic signal of renewed cooperation with Europe. The program is expected to provide thousands of UK students each year with opportunities to study and train abroad, while also making UK universities more attractive to European students.
The move replaces the UK’s post-Brexit Turing Scheme, which focused mainly on outward mobility and was criticized by universities for offering less comprehensive support and fewer reciprocal exchanges.
Cost and Scope
The estimated £570 million cost will cover the UK’s participation over multiple years and includes funding for student grants, institutional coordination, and administrative costs. Government sources argue that the long-term benefits—enhanced skills, stronger academic ties, and improved international competitiveness—outweigh the financial commitment.
